Green synthesis of silver nano particles: Recent advances and applications

Developments in the fields of science and technologies have proved to be a boon for the betterment of human mankind. Emergencies of various innovative disciplines have helped in moulding the future of the society. Nanotechnology is a budding field of science dealing with and the fabrication of particles on nano scale. It is an interdisciplinary science dealing with various branches of allied sciences and technologies. Nanotechnology is the science dealing with the synthesis, characterization and application of materials bearing nano size for the development of mankind. Nano particles owing to their surface chemistry have greater and significant properties as in comparison to their bulk counterparts. Possessing specific and potent characteristics such as optical, catalytic, antimicrobial and magnetic properties have made metallic nano particles (NPs) an extensive area of research. Among the various available routes of synthesis of nano particles, green synthesis or biological route is the most preferred route as it is eco-friendly in nature, cost beneficial and easy to scale up in contrast to chemical and physical route of synthesis. Chemical synthesis utilizes toxic chemicals, are non eco-friendly in nature and uses expensive chemicals. Moreover some of these chemicals remain adhered to the final NPs. These cons led to the development of a better eco-friendly approach of green synthesis using biologically dependant routes. Among all the metallic nano particles, silver nano particles (AgNPs) due to their inherent antibacterial and biocide activity is the nano particle of choice. AgNPs have been used in various sectors of the society potentially. This review attempts to elucidate the various biological routes of synthesis of AgNPs accompanied with the various applications of AgNPs.